While today’s forecast is for sunny skies and temperatures in the low 60s, expect a big change over the weekend, said meteorologist Casey Dail with the National Weather Service forecast office in Newport.

“Mainly this weekend we’re looking at a strong upper level system,” she said.

The upper level trough will make way for Arctic air that will drop temperatures significantly Saturday and Sunday.

“Sunday will be the coldest day with temperatures in the low to mid-40s. It will also be breezy, making it feel even colder,” Dail said.

Add the rain showers expected across the area on Saturday and there’s a chance of ice or snow, though it isn’t expected to be enough to stick around.

“I don’t think there will be any accumulation,” Dail said.

While no major impacts were anticipated as of Thursday, the forecast is one being watched closely.

“Depending on how much rain we get Saturday, there could be some ice on the roads,” she said.

Warren Wethington, county maintenance engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation, has been watching the weather forecast but isn’t expecting a need to treat Onslow County’s roadways with brine

But Wethington said they “err on the side of caution” and have equipment ready should the forecast worsen today.

“We’re ready if we have to do something (tonight). I don’t think we’ll have any significant issues but we’ll be ready,” he said.

Dail said the rain is expected to move through quickly and it will be dry Sunday but remain very cold, with Sunday night temperatures in the 20s.

The long-range calls for a little warming on Monday and transitioning to another mild day in the 60s on Tuesday. However, another rain system is expected to follow.